Cardrona Hotel’s new owners are looking to the past to create an exciting future for the 162-year-old pub.

Recognised as one of New Zealand’s oldest hospitality establishments the distinctive heritage hotel was purchased late last year by a consortium of investors, with local links, led by Warren Barclay of Experience Group.

“Our overarching drive was three things  – keeping the hotel in local hands, its trading history and overall performance and the potential to develop it into something more while still retaining the special character,” says Warren.

“The significant heritage building makes it a special hospitality venue and to retain its character our offering has to remain true to what’s already been. Our goal is to make it a must stop entity for everyone’s trip along SH6 by tastefully and tactfully deepening and lengthening the offer.  If we can develop more of what people want the hotel will grow to meet that demand.”  

With a 25-year corporate background in hospitality management and ownership Warren is well suited to fronting the business as the new publican.

“We have managed and operated big hospitality offerings such as Lions Tours, Rugby World Cups, Cricket World Cups, League World Cups, America’s Cup as well as annual All Blacks test matches. This includes numerous managed hospitality offerings for large scale music events and owning a venue in Auckland’s Fort Street for several years.”

While the Cardrona Hotel is solidly connected to its historic location Warren says the new ownership group has exciting plans to further develop the site.

“This includes upgrading the rooms to meet modern accommodation standards and operating a dedicated function venue to broaden the appeal for conferences, business functions and weddings.”

“We are currently in the early stages of a kitchen upgrade to efficiently meet demand and expand our menu offerings. This includes installing modern equipment and extending the space to allow our culinary team to create more diverse types of food – think sweet and savoury pastries – with the possibility of a sweet and  ice cream shop addition.”

Warren says the Cardrona Hotel has a special place in the hearts of many visitors and locals who view the historic venue as an exceptional slice of New Zealand. 

“The location on SH6 between Queenstown and Wānaka makes the pub a destination stop off point on the journey between these two tourist towns.  We have plenty of parking making it easy for visitors to stop and soak up the historical nature of the pub with its origins dating back to 1863 and its legacy as an integral part of a mining town.”

Standout hot spot 

The Cardrona Hotel’s gastro pub fare is a standout with the all day hearty snack menu featuring their famous nachos, loaded wedges, fries and signature Frickles (fried dill pickles).

Booking are essential for dinner in the restaurant’s heritage dining room with the evening service starting at 6.00pm.

“The restaurant’s menu changes weekly so we encourage diners to check for the evening they plan to book,” says Warren. “ As a Lion Bar we offer Lion based beers such as Speights, Speight Summitt Ultra and Emersons with two guest beer taps, Swifty and Urbernaut Southern Lakes Hazy. There is an extensive wine list including many local, Central Otago and regional wines to choose from.”